Meet the Men & Women Changing the Lives of Blood Cancer Patients

Contact: Kristin Hoose(914) 821-8973kristin.hoose@lls.org

White Plains, NY (March 11, 2014) - More than one million Americans are living with a blood cancer; and every four minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. To support its mission to find cures for blood cancer patients, and ensure access to treatments, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is launching its 24th annual "Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY)" fundraising campaign, enlisting influential and compassionate community leaders as candidates competing to raise funds for blood cancer research and cures.

"As the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding blood cancer cures and advocating for patients and families, LLS is in a unique position to make a positive impact in cancer overall, specifically blood cancers," states George Omiros, LLS Executive Vice President, Chief Campaign & Field Development Officer. "Our extensive network of chapters and dedicated volunteers are on the front lines in our fight to the finish line of blood cancer cures."

The annual 10-week MWOY campaign raised $22.7 million in 2013, and $123 million since it began. The 900 men and women competing this year will aim to top that total as they vie for the national title of Man and Woman of the Year. Today, the 2014 candidates are featured in an advertisement found in USA Today.

The MWOY campaign, along with LLS's other national fundraising initiatives - Team In Training, Light The Night Walks, School & Youth Programs and the Leukemia Cup Regatta, have helped LLS invest almost $1 billion in research to advance breakthrough therapies that are saving lives today.

MWOY candidates across the country compete in honor of a local boy and girl who are blood cancer survivors, to raise the most funds for blood cancer research. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of the campaign. The top local fundraisers in the country win the national titles.

Beginning with the 2014 campaign, the "All Star" program will provide an opportunity for select MWOY Alumni to represent their local campaign nationally by using their talents, contacts and creativity to raise funds to help advance the LLS mission. 2014 All Stars come from across the country with representation from every corner of the U.S.

Visit the MWOY website (www.mwoy.org) to support a candidate and learn how you can become engaged with LLS.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyThe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients and fund promising blood cancer research around the world. LLS provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.